Blessed Beyond Measure

I was one lucky mom today.  I got to go to school with Nixon and volunteer at her school all day on the first day of school.  In my new position, we choose a school to volunteer at . . . and what mom would pass up the chance to spend the first day with their favorite girl?!  What a blessing this day was to both of us.  I will say . . . elementary schools make me VERY tired.  Give me some junior high kids any day.  The little ones wear me out.  But, I had a blast spending the day with all of the nervous and excited kiddos!

Somehow when I promised her at the young age of three that she could get ears pierced when she turns 9.  Nine rolled around and she had no interest.  Whew!  Then suddenly, days before we begin 4th grade, she was feeling older.  Wiser.  And ready.  So, I took her and had them pierced.  I almost cried.  She was such a trooper though!  She picked out tiny cross earrings.  I love this big 4th grader!

My life hasn't always gone according to plan.  Can't we all say that?  I have been divorced.  That was certainly never in my life plan.  I can honestly say that I NEVER thought that the term divorced could be used to describe me.  Yet, it is a part of who I am.  If I could go back and change that part of my life . . . I wouldn't.  I would do it all again.  Every tear.  Every heartbreak.  It is a part of who I am. I have never kept it a secret that after Nixon was born I suffered from postpartum depression.  At least that was how I was diagnosed when I went to my doctor with my new born preemie who had been with us all of two weeks in our home.  My doctor asked how I was enjoying being a new mom.  I responded, "Does anybody really like this?"  She quickly put down her notepad and said, "You aren't enjoying being a new mom?"  Uh duh.  No, I am not.  I have not slept a collective two hours in two weeks. ...

Had a blast painting pottery with my favorite girl!  Can't wait to pick them up!!

My sweet little bow-wearing little girl is growing up.  And she had a  nice sit down talk with me about wanting to dress more "her" age.  When we came across these hot pink Converse tennis shoes, she melted.  They were "everything" she ever wanted.  She explained that these were "cute like I like cute, not cute like YOU like cute."  She even talked me into snagging me a grey pair.  Of course, I couldn't go with a wild color.  But, I was pretty proud of myself for branching out!

Today is my last official day off this summer.  Lucky for me we squeezed more fun in to this summer than any other before!  And when I see this pretty young lady, I am reminded of what a blessing she is in my life.  Her smile (even when she is giving me crazy eyes) makes my heart melt.  She is looking forward to the new changes ahead and so am I.  Goodbye summer . . . until next year!

Nixon and I took off on a little road trip to take in the junky goodness of Annette's Touch of Class in New Waverly, Texas.  We had seen the place a million times and always wanted to go, so we finally just decided to do it.  Nixon LOVES looking at old stuff, so I knew she would love the antique barn.  And she sure did!  We both snagged cute t-shirts that we have already gotten compliments on.  And they are so comfortable!  The junk/antique barn.  Nixon was in heaven!!  She was a big fan of the coke floats too! Nixon's big score.  She was pumped to find something so fun.  I'm sure it isn't near as old as it looks, but who cares?!  She was so excited to find it and couldn't wait to put it in her room.  My little Junk Queen loved this place!!

 I'm sure you have been dying to know how the puppies are all doing.  Well, it turns out that seven dogs is enough to put a mother over the edge.  Not near the edge.  Around the edge.  But over.  All the way.  But, we fell in love with them anyway.  Penny and Jeff (pic above) have now moved to their forever home with Bryan's dad.  We spent the day getting them situated at Papaw's and these guys seemed all too happy to dig in the dirt and run around their new home.  Five dogs is somewhat more manageable.  Somewhat.  So, now I am no longer over the edge.  Near the edge.  But not over.  Above you can see Greta and Mutt taking an impromptu swim as we played at a park near our house.  These two LOVE the water.  We had a blast having them retrieve the ball and they loved getting all muddy and wet.  Silly dogs!